More than ten hours of teamwork by off-duty village cops and the generosity of Home Depot have helped bring new life to the Orion Art Center this summer.

The Cops Who Care program is run by Lake Orion Police Department (LOPD) ordinance enforcement officers and their colleagues who work with community businesses to obtain donations and/or reduced cost materials.

They then perform construction-related work to help senior citizens and other qualified residents to help them meet building code rules.

“Lake Orion is blessed to have such a great police staff,” said LOPD Chief Jerry Narsh. “They are not only dedicated to public safety, but also are involved in the care and concern of the overall community.”

The Orion Art Center project was led by Reserve Officer John Fales, a licensed builder, and funded by Home Depot, which donated $8,000 worth of supplies for a new patio.

Cops Who Care was founded seven years ago. During this time, the group has donated its time to paint and repair buildings, tear down garages, replace windows, mow and rake properties for community members unable to keep their property up to code, Narsh said.

“The projects we are able to do are limited to the tools in our garage and the talent we possess,” Narsh explained. “It would be great it see a member of the community who is an experienced licensed builder step up to plate to help us out on bigger projects.”

The program has also partnered with Lake Orion High School to provide students with opportunities to earn volunteer hours needed to graduate.

Narsh said if a person knows of someone in need of help within the LOPD jurisdiction, or would like to volunteer time, he or she should call 248-693-8321 and ask for Chad Reetz.